Question : Maharashtra Agricultural Land Lease Act

Maharashtra Agricultural Land Lease Act

†1328. SHRI ARVIND GANPAT SAWANT:
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Bill No. 31 of 2017 to implement the Maharashtra Agricultural Land Lease Act is still pending for the approval of the Union Government, if so, the details thereof along with the date on which the bill was sent by the Government of Maharashtra including its present status;
(b) whether the Union Government had sought clarification from the Government of Maharashtra on same issues, if so, the details thereof?
(c) whether the Government of Maharashtra has furnished the necessary details to the Union Government;
(d) if so, the reason for the pendency of the Bill inspite of receipt of necessary details; and
(e) the time by which this bill would be given assent by the Union Government?

ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)

(a) to (e): The Government of Maharashtra had forwarded “The Maharashtra Agricultural Land Leasing Bill, 2017” on 25.04.2017 to Ministry of Home Affairs for the assent of the Hon’ble President of India under Article 201 of the Constitution of India.

The clarifications of the State Government were sought with respect to comments/observations received from the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Land Resources) and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare (Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmer Welfare).

After receipt of necessary details/clarifications from Government of Maharashtra, the Bill was referred to the Ministry of Law & Justice (Department of Legal Affairs). The Department of Legal Affairs has requested for certain documents from the State Government and also requested for a discussion with the officials of the State Government. This has been communicated to Government of Maharashtra on 16.07.2021.

The Bill is presently under examination in Ministry of Home Affairs in consultation with the nodal Ministries/Departments and the State Government of Maharashtra. As the consultation process in such cases takes time, no time frame can be laid down for according such approval.

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